Overcoming Doubt

Overcoming Doubt

No matter how successful you are, you’ve had periods where you’ve doubted yourself. You can’t avoid it, but you can counter it.

So how do you battle those doubts in your head?

I don’t consider myself an expert by any means, but here’s what’s worked for me personally, as well as a coach:

1) Push through it

2) Know the present/future is not predicted by your past

3) Help others

Doubt is more perceived than real. It’s a mental block that can stop you in your tracks (if you allow it). In the midst of fear, usually the only way to get over it is “push through it” to reach a different outcome. If you do that, you’ve created a new schema to build upon.

If your past is the only way to predict your future, then it’s game over. That would mean your life is predetermined and there’s nothing you can do to change it. If you really believe that, you’re sad. Don’t be a victim. Start doing things different now to achieve a better future. Start with small steps and build from there.

At the heart of doubt(s) is “me” focused. The next time you start feeling sorry yourself, go help someone in need. It may sound like a deterrent/distraction (and to some degree it is), but if you shift your focus towards helping someone, a lot of your negative feelings will dissipate. Sometimes the best thing we can do to cope is to reach out, even when our natural instinct is to stay isolated.

Like I mentioned before, I don’t claim to be the expert on this subject because I have my own doubts that linger from time to time. But the worst thing you can do is nothing. Vent to a friend. Journal about it. Try something new.